Ireland looks to be on the cusp of its greatest ever tally of winners at Cheltenham and festival fever has hit Ballygar, which will host its inaugural Cheltenham preview night on Thursday, February 26.
Remarkably, Irish trainers are responsible for all but one of the favourites in the first nine races at Cheltenham, the festival commencing on Tuesday, March 10. And punters can get an added edge by visiting Tierney's Bar in Ballygar on the final Thursday of the month, where a stellar cast will gather.
Tierney's has long been a meeting place for racing people, as Gerry Tierney has had many horses down the years, including smart sprinter Miss Gorica. However, it is surely the first time that either Paul Carberry or Jonathan Burke will have visited the iconic pub!
Carberry is simply a legend in racing. The 41-year-old is generally considered the most gifted National Hunt rider of all time and he will have some top-class rides at Cheltenham this year, including Monksland in the World Hurdle and Apache Stronghold in the JLT Novice Chase.
Jonathan Burke, a Cork native created enormous headlines when, at just 18 years of age, he was appointed as retained rider for the powerful owner Alan Potts last September. He thus is responsible for those familiar horses with the "Sizing" prefix, including the legendary Sizing Europe and also Smashing, who looks to have a sporting chance in whatever race he goes for at the festival.
Kevin Blake has established himself as one of the leading voices in Irish racing. A breeder, journalist and regular on At The Races, he writes thought-provoking columns for the Irish Field and his book "It Can Be Done" has been universally acclaimed. It tells readers that you can, indeed, win money gambling.
Gavin Lynch has worked for the Racing Post for a number of years. He is also a successful punter and has had horses in training with Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott to name but two. His family are immersed in Cheltenham history with his father having trained numerous runners at the festival, whilst his brother owned the 2004 RSA winner Rule Supreme.
Johnny Ward writes and tips for the Racing Post and is a native of Newbridge, just five miles down the road from Ballygar. He regularly reports from the Galway and Roscommon race meets. He will be working for RTE during the festival.
Finally, the ultra-polished Sean Boyce of At The Races fame will chair the debate. Sean joined the Irish preview circuit last year and was a huge hit. He will also bring his intimate knowledge of English racing to the table and will ensure that things may get heated but never out of control!
For a mere €10 entry, patrons get a free €50 matched bet from sponsors Starsports bookmakers. All entrants will be entered in draws for tickets to Galway and Roscommon races. All proceeds will go to New GAA Development in the area and tickets are available locally or at the door on the night.
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